Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
November 18th 2022

A Soldier of Christ

Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-4

How many Christian leaders give their followers the way Apostle Paul gave Timothy, his son in the Lord? He was really blunt and candid, ‘endure hardship’ or ‘share hardship’ like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Apostle Paul did not cajole or deceive Timothy. He even compared being a disciple of Jesus Christ to being a soldier. I think there is a lesson for Christian leaders here, do not sugarcoat the word of God. Speak the truth in love. Do not bend the truth in order to retain or attract members to your church. Do not peddle God’s word for money, rather be honest. Speak the truth.

Let’s take think about Paul’s analogy, soldier. To be a soldier means that one’s life is given to one’s country. Soldiers are patriots despite suffering and sacrifices. Soldiers are given a life of hardship. They must be battle ready and endure suffering. They leave their houses, homes, and families etc and choose to serve their country at times in unknown and unfamiliar places. In our reading today, Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. This means that you do not have to rely on your strength, but rather depend on and focus on Jesus. Let the Holy Spirit work in and through you for God’s glory. Finally, Timothy is also enjoined to entrust sound teaching to trusted hands because that is important for the continuity of the undiluted word of God. Dear friends, as a Christian, you have enlisted in the Lord’s army. If you have not yet given your life to Jesus Christ, another opportunity is given to you. Accept Jesus today, receive His forgiveness and be enlisted in his army of righteous believers.

Action Point: Let’s pray for missionaries and their families that God will keep them and accomplish His purpose through them.

Intercessory prayer: I pray for children of God across the world for the grace to endure hardship for Jesus Christ.

Hymn: We will conquer the world for Jesus!

The battle we’ll win each day,

If we’re true to the trust that he gives us,

And his will evermore obey.